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Fellow Profile
Michael Mihavics
[more]

Berkner High School
Richardson Independent School District
High School Math

"TTF’s Institute provided a fast track into a full-time teaching position with full benefits.I enjoyed the smaller class size, which allowed the Fellows to really get to know one another."

Program Costs

Texas Teaching Fellows provides a unique opportunity for dedicated individuals seeking to launch their teaching careers – including an unparalleled summer training, job search support, ongoing professional development through Content Seminars, and the chance to teach full-time earning full salary and benefits while earning certification. Each year, we strive to keep our program costs low and competitive among other alternative certification programs. TTF program tuition remains lower than the state average for alternative certification programs.

There are two types of costs related to our program: an administrative enrollment fee and tuition for training and professional development.

Enrollment Fee

The $150 non-refundable administrative fee is due upon enrollment into the program. This payment ensures a position within our program and covers all administrative costs.

Tuition

The $3,600 program tuition is payable throughout the year. Tuition payments begin when the Fellow has secured a full-time teaching position in their assigned subject area. (See Hiring Success section for information on securing a position.) There are three options for tuition payment:

    - Payroll deductions through the employing school district on a monthly basis. (Not all employing districts will allow payroll deduction based on limited accounting abilities.)

    - Two equal installment payments, sent at the start of each semester, payable either via personal check or credit card through PayPal

    - One lump sum payment at the start of the school year, payable either via personal check or credit card through PayPal

The $3,600 fee is the program’s entire tuition, including the costs for our faculty, professional development program, and all associated materials; tuition does not include testing fees and other state-mandated expenses (see below.)

Additional Certification Fees

In addition to TTF program costs, all new teachers are required to take and pass state-specific tests and complete certification requirements. As a result, teacher candidates will be asked to incur additional state and testing-related expenses as they pursue certification. A summary of the additional costs that candidates can expect to encounter is provided:

Testing Fees

All individuals interested in becoming an educator in Texas are required to take and successfully pass certification exams:

  • Content-based TExES (prior to entering the classroom; some candidates, for instance those teaching in special education and ESL, are required to take two content exams)
  • Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) Exam (taken during the first year of teaching)
  • The TOPT (for bilingual teachers only; taken during the first year of teaching)


Registration fees per exam are $82. Please note that the testing company sets strict registration timelines and also charges late registration fees. Once TTF offers you a position in our program and provides you with the appropriate test information, please register immediately to avoid these additional fees. Testing fees are paid directly to the testing company.

Additionally, many candidates choose to access outside test preparation resources. These programs may also charge separate fees; for information on these resources, visit the TExES Exams page.

State Certification Costs

Fellows will be required to pay the Texas State Board of Educator Certification for the following, in order to pursue their teacher certification:

  • Probationary Certificate Fee (paid in order to secure a teaching placement): $52
  • Fingerprinting Fee (paid at time of enrollment)): $42.25 + agency fees
  • Standard Certificate Fee (paid at the end of the first year of teaching): $77


Total additional costs for state fees and test registration (minimum)* $340


*Assumes 1 content TExES examination and the PPR; bilingual candidates must also take the TOPT; SPED candidates at the secondary level must take an additional content test; ESL candidates must take a supplemental exam.

Summary of Costs

Cost Amount Timeline

Enrollment Fee:

Non-refundable administrative costs fee

  $150

 Upon enrollment to secure your position

Program Tuition:

Payment Options: payroll deduction, 2 equal installments, 1 installment

  $3600

During first year of teaching (all payments to begin in September 2008)
SBEC/TEA Fees (required by all aspiring teachers):

Testing Fees:

TExES Regular Registration:

TExES Late Registration Fee:

TExES Emergency Registration Fee:

Computer Administered Tests (CAT):

  $82

  $82 + $30

  $82 + $70

  $82 + $35 computer fee

Upon registering for Exam; at least 2 exams required for certification (some certification areas will require 3 exams)

Not offered for all subjects.

Certification Fees:

Probationary Certificate Fee:

Fingerprinting/Background Check Fee:

Standard Certificate Fee:

  $52

  $42.25 + fees

  $77

As soon as possible but no later than 5/16/08

As soon as possible but no later than 5/16/08

Spring 2009

 

Explore additional resources.

In the meantime, we encourage applicants to visit the following websites or go directly to our partner districts’ website for more information on salaries.

Texas Education Agency Salary Schedule